Capsugel expands liquid fill capsule capabilities

Capsugel has expanded its Licaps liquid fill capsule line with a new facility in the US.

The firm can now produce gelatin shells for hot melt or low viscosity liquids under its Licaps brand, which traditionally produces hard capsules. New manufacturing technology was also added to the company's existing production lines in France and Japan.

Speaking to in-PharmaTechnologist.com at this year's AAPS in Chicago, senior VP of research and development (R&D) Keith Hutchison, said the idea is to address customers' solubility problems.

He said the product is particularly important "where innovation is needed, and certainly in new molecules where you need some pretty innovative ways to overcome the solubility problems."​

As for the future of the tech, Hutchison sees dry powders, pellets and other forms as a target.

"The range of applications is very broad, so along the horizon we will see its application in a wider range of products,"​ he said.